Donations needed for Mr. Pumpkin statue

SYCAMORE – The Wally Thurow Tribute Committee is launching a direct-mail campaign to solicit donations from the Sycamore community for a tribute statue to the man affectionately known as "Mr. Pumpkin."

Thurow, who died in 2012, is credited with starting the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival. The tribute committee is made up of individuals representing organizations throughout the community. Last year, local artist Lyndon Bute developed some renderings of what the statue may look like, and the Sycamore City Council is working with the committee to identify a location along the Pumpkin Festival parade route to place the finished statue.

The committee has set a goal of $75,000 to erect the statue. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, email mrpumpkinstatue@gmail.com.